The Directorate of the Central Office for Narcotics (OCS), in collaboration with the General Directorate of the Police, began, on Monday, December 22nd, across the entire national territory, narcotics testing for new recruits of the National Police. This control concerns a total of over 1,500 candidates.
In a decisive move to fortify the integrity of its security forces, Mali’s National Police has initiated a comprehensive narcotics screening operation targeting over 1,500 recruits for the 2025 intake. This large-scale effort, mandated by the Ministry of Security and Civil Protection and executed by the Central Office for Narcotics (OCS), transcends a simple administrative check. It represents a critical, proactive strategy to ensure the operational readiness and moral fitness of the personnel tasked with protecting a nation facing complex security challenges.
The operation, unfolding simultaneously across all regions of Mali, is not an isolated event but a standardized component of the recruitment process for the Armed Forces. As stated in an official instruction, “all military personnel of the national police and civil protection must undergo drug screenings, whether during the initial medical examination, or unexpectedly during their career.” This policy establishes a continuous standard of sobriety, from recruitment through an officer’s entire service. The consequences are unequivocal: a positive test result can lead to immediate disqualification for recruits or severe disciplinary measures for serving personnel, underscoring a zero-tolerance stance.
To understand the gravity of this initiative, one must consider the context. Security forces under the influence of illicit substances pose a direct threat to operational effectiveness, unit cohesion, and public trust. Impairment can lead to catastrophic errors in judgment, compromised mission security, and increased vulnerability to corruption or coercion by criminal networks. By rigorously screening recruits, Mali is investing in the foundational reliability of its forces, ensuring that those entrusted with weapons and authority possess the clear-minded discipline the role demands.
The technical execution of this mandate is entrusted to a specialized unit. The OCS operates a dedicated Narcotics Analysis Laboratory, described as being equipped with “sophisticated, state-of-the-art equipment” and led by a trained applied chemist, Firefighter Colonel Sékou Dramé. This highlights a commitment to scientific rigor and accuracy, ensuring that the life-altering results of these tests are beyond reproach. The political will behind the operation is equally clear, with the directive coming from the Minister of Security and Civil Protection, Major General Daoud Aly Mohammedine, and field operations being conducted under the direction of Colonel-Major Fousseyni Keïta.
Ultimately, this widespread testing program sends a powerful dual message. Internally, it communicates to all members of the defense and security forces that professionalism and personal conduct are non-negotiable prerequisites for service. Externally, it signals to the Malian public and the international community that the Transition Authorities prioritize building a trustworthy, effective, and sober security apparatus. In an era where internal resilience is as crucial as combat capability, such measures are not merely procedural—they are a strategic imperative for national stability.
Mamadou Diarra
Source: Le PAYS